Greatness Is A Process : Bet On Yourself

When I made this piece I had no idea about the journey of drama and bullshit I was about to embark on. What I did know is, “Diamonds are forever!”

So, I decided to take my chances. After all, greatness is a process right?

Trust, is probably the single most profitable tool for both those with good intentions and bad. The journey of life is ultimately about learning where to exploit or assert your trust.

I made this piece on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 7:13 PM shortly after having the rare opportunity to sit down with one of the founders of Roc A Fella Records and I have to say my journey thus far has been well worth it. Despite it all.

Why Me? Yea, that’s a question I’m still tryna figure out, but a smart chick never looks a gift horse in the mouth! You feel me?

The dream team is an understatement when you pair these two together. By these two I mean Kareem “Biggs” Burke and Emory “Vegas” Jones. If you don’t know who they are by now you haven’t been engaging with the culture.

Kareem “Biggs” Burke

One of the primary founders of Roc A Fella Records, Kareem Biggs Burke is no stranger to being told no. Jay Z has not been quiet about all the doors slammed in their faces during the early stages of his career. Maybe this is why he was so quick to brush me off the first time around. Ego makes us do some crazy things, I’m guilty of it too.

Thankfully, my ability to always stay relevant has managed to keep me in his graces. A tough businessman, Biggs has definitely learned to put the relationship before the money. I guess he didn’t see me as friend material at first.

He did, however, think that my idea for a pop-up shop in Dubai was a good one. Good enough to take it to Nike and get a full campaign to relaunch himself after being away for a while. It was then I realized, I have his number and he still answers my texts. So, I knew one day I’d come back to that. Greatness is a Process!

Emory “Vegas” Jones

Speaking of greatness, then there’s the Emperor of Culture himself Emory “Vegas” Jones. Probably the most rapped about best friend in the game. Emory, after essentially taking one for the team, is the Brand Manager for Rocnation and right hand to the G.O.A.T Jay-Z. A well guarded yet extremely curious person by my observation, he has managed to put his fingerprint into music, fashion, technology, and sports.

While Vegas didn’t brush me off at first, he has definitely shown his ability to be elusive! Always playing his cards just right, he, like his friend and partner Biggs, listened to my advice and created the first Pink Paper Planes Hat. Initially only featured for sale #OTR2 Concert Stops with the queen bee Beyonce herself, this was like a dream come true for me.

After also strategically taking @Planes facebook following numbers up significantly throughout 2018, it was safe to say I had his attention.

While this journey didn’t quite start off the way that I imagined, I definitely wouldn’t change anything. I have learned so much and grown so much and I am genuinely thankful for the opportunities and closed doors these two men have both given me. I’m looking forward to the future.

If I had to give anyone any advice about these two, it would be, Trust The Process.